I have a '65 Futura convertible that had the headlights removed when I got it and I cannot figure out how to re-install them. Where do I attach the retaining ring? The holes in the retaining ring do not seem to line up with anything on the bucket. How do the adjustment screws come into play? Should there be a spring for adjusting the aim? If anyone has photos, that would be really helpful. Thanks.

There is an inner and outer headlight bucket. The retaining ring attaches to the inner bucket and so do the adjusters and adjuster springs. The adjusters move the inner bucket in two axes and the springs hold the inner bucket allowing it to pivot in the outer bucket. From your description it sounds like you are missing the inner bucket.

Ken

_As soon as I have a chance I can take some pics of a headlight assembly if that will help.

R n

Hogroast

If you are missing a bucket, I may have an extra or two. Let me know after you figure out what you need.

Ken, thanks for the diagram. Where is it from? I have a digital copy of the 1965 shop manual, but it does not have that much detail. You are right, I am missing the inner buckets. I think what happened is that the outer bucket rusted out (it was a Wisconsin car) and was repaired with Bondo. So what I really need is both the inner and outer buckets for both sides. I tried to order new buckets from Mac’s and Dearborn Classics but both told me they were out of stock. Bill, what exactly do you have? Ron, pictures would be helpful. What I cannot tell from the diagram is how the inner bucket attaches to the outer bucket. Thank you everyone for your help!

Hogroast

Looks like I have 1 outer bucket. I assume it fits a 64-65 because it came with some extra parts I got when I bought my 65. If the bucket will help you, send me a PM with your address.

You might try Old Dominion Mustang in Ashland, Virginia. They have at least 1 square body Falcon in their parts inventory (http://www.oldominion.com/).

_As you can see in 64_Redbird's pic there is a small hole in the rear inner edge of the bucket. There should be a spring that connects between that hole and a clip in the center of the outer bucket. The spring pulls the two buckets together and puts pressure on the two adjusting screws.

_There are two tabs on the outer edge of the inner bucket with slots in the tabs. There are two adjusting screws that fit in those two slots and they screw into plastic inserts on tabs of the outer buckets. These two screws locate and adjust the horzontal and vertical aiming of the lamps. You can see the openings in the inner bucket where the two tabs are folded out from that bucket.

_The outer bucket simply inserts in the large openings in the radiator support and are screwed in place with 4 screws.

_You will need outer buckets from a 65 but maybe a 64 may work too. There are tabs on the outer bucket that the grill and headlights doors (trim rings) attach to. Earlier years may fit but the tabs for the grille and trim rings may be located differently. Though those could be altered to work.

_I can take some pics of my headlight buckets if you need them.

R n

DJ

It is from the illustrations section of the '69 print version of the '60 - '64 Ford parts catalog I have. I bought it from Dearborn Classics a number of years ago for about $160.00. They are still listed in the latest catalog for $220.00. There are also CD versions for later years for $60.00. I have used it a lot and I think it was worth every penny.

Ken

djhogroast,

_I said i would get some pics. Hope they help.

Ron

Thanks for the pictures Ron, they are very helpful. Are the buckets for sale? I definitely need the outer buckets as well as the inner. My outer buckets are missing the tab that the spring attaches to.

_If the outer buckets you have are the same and fit the rad' support ok you can fab' a clip for the center. Just cut out a piece of sheetmetal and attach to the center anyway that works for you. Pop-rivet, machine screw or even a sheetmetal screw. You just need a spring to attach the bucket. If you don't have the correct springs and I don't know if any are available you can find something at OSH or your local hardware store. Just adjust the spring for a fair amount of tension.

_You could probably get springs for a 65/66 Mustang. They are much shorter than the Falcon springs. But 2 of them hooked together would give almost a good working length. Falcon spring is between 2 1/2" & 3" long.

_You can see by the pic there are 2 brackets at the top with 'U-nuts' that the headlight trim rings attach to. There are 2 places the grille attaches to. Also with U-nuts. One is shared with the trim ring.

_Maybe this pic will help.

R n

I found the inner buckets at Dennis Carpenter and they actually have them in stock. I can make my outer buckets work for now until I find ones in better condition. I think that I can declare this case closed! Thank you everyone for your help. The pictures and illustrations were especially helpful.